Page 186 - How To Answer Interview Questions (II)

Any questions about plans to marry, to stay home after you have children, or your spouse’s
occupation or salary are all illegal.

Employers might ask these questions to get a read on how long you’ll plan to stay at the company—
butif that’s their question, that should be what they ask.

In response to any future marriage or family plans, smile and say, “You know, I’m not making those
kinds of plans yet. I am focused on my career, and I’m interested in growth opportunities in this
company. Can you tell me more about that?”

If you’re asked about your spouse’s occupation, it may be in a relocation situation where they’re
trying to see if your spouse will be OK with moving with you. I would be OK answering that
question. If your spouse is in an impressive career, their follow up question may be, “Wow, then what
are you doing looking for a job?” Just smile and say, “I work for many reasons other than money. I am
very talented and skilled at X, Y, and Z and I enjoy the work as well as achieving goals, like I did
last year in my job where I _______.” Fill in the blank with whatever outstanding and impressive
thing you did.

Questions About Nationality

Sometimes this is a simple, “Where are you from?” and they don’t mean any harm by it. Just smile
and say, “Texas. How about you?”

Many companies are sensitive to whether or not you are legally allowed to work in the U.S., and
that is a question they can ask. They can’t ask “What race are you?” or “Were you born in the United
States?” They can only say, “Are you legally allowed to work in the U.S.?”

If you have an accent and the interviewer says, “Oh, are you from X?” it is probably an innocent
question. Your best bet is to smile and say, “Yes, I moved here X years ago and I am legally allowed
to work in the U.S.” If this is not your first job in the States, say, “In fact, I’ve been very successful
working as an X for ABC Corporation.”

They might say, “Is English your first language?” Feel free to say, “I speak both English and
Spanish fluently.” (Or whatever language you speak, of course.)

Questions About Religion

Employers are not allowed to ask about your religion, whether you’re going to be asking off work
for religious holidays or if you go to church on Sundays. They can ask if you are available to work on
Sundays, or if you will be able to work normal work hours.

Just say, “I’m certain I will be able to work the schedule that is required for this position. Is there
anything unusual about the schedule that I should know about?”

(I always like the tactic of asking a follow up question for clarification.)

Questions About Disability